Highlands, Islands & Fjords: Scotland, Orkney Islands & Norway

Highlands, Islands & Fjords: Scotland, Orkney Islands & Norway

ALL TOURS
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DETAILS

Embark on an exploration of Norway and northern Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, remote islands, and ancient settlements during the height of spring. This eight-night itinerary seamlessly blends natural wonders and cultural highlights, from the Orkney Islands to Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Explore iconic fjords like Sognefjord and UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord.  Enjoy Zodiac excursions or step ashore at picturesque fjord-side towns and tiny villages, immersing yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of these captivating destinations.

Pricing from
$10,990
Trip Type
Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
Departure Dates
May 26, 2026 - Jun 5, 2026

SHIP

The all-suite Sea Spirit is designed to navigate the most demanding waters in the world, while providing guests with an unparalleled opportunity to view and explore wildlife and scenery in places that larger ships are unable to access. The ship combines adventure-ready features with exceptional comfort and world-class amenities. Spacious suites are complemented by inviting public spaces, including panoramic observation decks, a library and lounge, a gym, and an outdoor hot tub.

EXTENSIONS

OPTIONAL PRE-VOYAGE EXTENSION – Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands
May 24-27
Scottish Highlands Spend two nights at Cheval Old Town Chambers, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a private tasting and tour at one of Scotland’s top malt whisky distilleries before joining the main program at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa.
$2,595 per person, double $3,290 per person, single

OPTIONAL POST TOUR EXTENSION –  Art and Gardens of Oslo
June 5–8, 2026
After exploring Bodø, fly to Oslo for a three-night stay at the elegant and historic Grand Hotel, opened in 1874, and for over 140 years the host to international guests, world leaders, celebrities and the Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Highlights include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist, featuring more than 200 works in bronze, granite, and wrought iron; and the Fram Museum of Polar Exploration, which artfully narrates the story of Norwegian polar exploration.
$2,595 per person, double $3,290 per person, single
+On-tour flight Bodø to Oslo ~$250 per person (subject to change)

TERMS & CONDITIONS

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.

TOUR MAP

Map of a cruise route along the Norwegian coast from Edinburgh to Bodø, with stops at Kirkwall.

ITINERARY

  • day 1 & 2

    Home / Edinburgh, Scotland

    Depart home on overnight f lights to Edinburgh. Upon arrival on May 27th, relax before a welcome reception and group orientation.

  • day 3

    Edinburgh / Embark

    Enjoy a tour of historic Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital since the 14th century, before boarding Sea Spirit this afternoon.

  • day 4

    KIRKWALL, ORKNEY ISLANDS

    Disembark in Kirkwall for a morning exploration of the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney, the most important Neolithic sites in western Europe. Return to the ship for lunch and in the afternoon take a guided tour of Kirkwall, including the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral, with free time in the vibrant downtown before returning to the ship

  • day 5

    SOGNEFJORD FJORD, NORWAY

    Enjoy a full day at sea looking for wildlife from one of the ship’s spacious decks, indulging in the ship’s amenities and listening to lectures from our team of experts. As evening approaches, arrive at the entrance of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.

  • day 6

    VIK

    Take a scenic drive through the natural wonders of the area. See steep mountainsides, hanging valleys, majestic peaks, snowfields, cascading waterfalls, and quaint hamlets. Visit one such hamlet, Gudvagen, an historic Viking village, nestled deep within Naeroyfjord, where there is free time to explore independently. Also discover the riches of Vik, a picturesque village along the banks of the Sognefjord, including the impressive Hopperstad Stave Church, one of Norway’s 28 remaining stave churches and the oldest in the country. And don’t miss the opportunity to sample the local ‘gamalost cheese;’ and see the Moahugane Burial Mounds, dating back to 200 AD.

  • day 7

    Loen

    Enjoy a morning at sea with time for lectures before arriving in Loen. Be welcomed by a stunning coastline, majestic mountains and valleys, expansive farmland, and a chance to see the mighty Briksdal Glacier, the largest in Europe. Here choose from various excursion options including kayaking with a guided hike to learn about the local ecosystem, driving to see the Briksdal Glacier, or ride one of the steepest cable cars in the world on the Loen Skylift and marvel at the stunning views of the valley below.

  • day 8

    ÅLESUND

    Visit beautiful Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau buildings and islands stretching out into the ocean, Ålesund offers three optional excursions including: 1. a historic World War 2 bunker inside the city’s mountain; 2. a coach tour of the Giske islands; or 3. an in-depth city walk including Mt. Aksla, followed by free time. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising with time for lectures, relaxing on board, and keeping an eye out for whales.

  • day 9

    TORGHATTEN & BRONNOYSUND

    Continue cruising north this morning with time for lectures. After lunch, arrive at the coastal town of Bronnysund to delve into its history and culture, surrounded by natural landscapes. Choose from optional excursions: 1) Hike Torghatten, known for its mythical mountain with a distinctive hole; 2) Enjoy a panoramic drive and visit Hildur’s Farm for a taste of Norwegian farm life; or 3) Explore Norwegian aquaculture at the Norwegian Aquaculture Center. Reboard in the late afternoon and depart for the Lofoten Islands, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way.

  • day 10

    REINE (LOFOTEN ISLANDS)

    Enjoy a full day exploring the picturesque Lofoten Islands, where you’ll visit charming fishing villages like Å, Reine, or Nusfjord, each offering unique insights into local life. Discover the rich Viking heritage at the Lofotr Viking Museum, home to the world’s largest Viking longhouse, and visit a local farm indulging in a lunch ashore where you’ll learn about the islands’ efforts in sustainable farming. Conclude the day with the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

  • day 11

    DISEMBARK/HOME

    After breakfast, disembark Sea Spirit and transfer to Bodø airport (those with late flights may take an optional morning tour in Bodø), or begin the optional post-voyage extension

Everything you need to know about the tour

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